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Amytal Addiction, Abuse, Detox and Rehab

Amytal Abuse, Addiction and Various Treatment Options

While it is not as common as it once was, Amytal abuse and addiction still occur in the United States. Detox and rehab are often needed in order to recover, but not everyone understands what their options are.

Becoming addicted to a drug can be very scary, and this one is no different. It belongs to a classification of medications known as barbiturates, which are known to be highly addictive. Because of this, it is no longer prescribed in tablet form; it is only administered via IV in hospitals. It can be used as a part of anesthesia, or as a strong sedative.

Amytal can be found on the streets in tablet form. Some of the more common street names for it include:

  • Downers
  • Blue Velvet
  • Blue Devils
  • Blue Heavens 
  • Bluebirds
  • Red
  • Redbirds

Common Amytal Side Effects

Before attending rehab, it might be beneficial to understand exactly how Amytal affects your body when you take it. As with most other barbiturates, Amytal slows down the body's circulatory system, as well as your heart rate. This increases relaxation, and can make a person drowsy. Psychoactive results are similar to what you would find with alcohol, or tranquilizers like Xanax or Valium.

A specific neurotransmitter in the brain, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), is also affected greatly by Amytal abuse. This neurotransmitter affects calm and relaxation, and helps avoid overstimulation and excessive thinking. Amytal stimulates GABA production, which is what causes the drowsiness and relaxing effects. 

There are a number of different ways these effects can manifest themselves in someone addicted to Amytal. These include: 

  • Fatigue and sleepiness
  • Bouts of confusion
  • Anxiety and nervousness
  • Sleep difficulties, including nightmares
  • Dizziness and vertigo
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Bouts of constipation
  • Painful headaches
  • A low-grade fever
  • Agitation and irritability
  • The onset of sleep apnea
  • Fainting spells
  • Low blood pressure
  • Muscle spasms
  • Slow heart rate
  • Loss of coordination

These and other side effects may vary, depending on how long you’re using this drug. It makes sense that the longer you use it, the more severe the effects will be.

Amytal Addiction Information

The Short and Long-Term Effects of Amytal

Amytal can have a devastating impact on the body and the brain. People who are addicted to this drug rarely take the time to consider its effects on them. The high it produces is incredibly powerful and overwhelming, and getting high is their only priority.

Some of the short-term effects of Amytal include:

  • Forming a drug tolerance, which results in taking more to get the desired effects.
  • Feeling drowsy and experiencing deep relaxation.
  • Having persistent and painful headaches.
  • Having hallucinations.
  • Developing symptoms of anxiety.

When a person takes Amytal for a longer period of time, certain long-term effects begin to develop. These are typically in addition to all of the above. They include:

  • Developing liver damage.
  • Having bouts of confusion.
  • Vasodilation.
  • Developing extremely low blood pressure.
  • The possibility of death.

Amytal Abuse Vs. Addiction: What is the Difference?

People often tend to confuse abuse with addiction, and we would like to provide some clarity. Any use of Amytal outside of a hospital setting with a doctor’s oversight is considered abusing it. But this is not the same as being addicted to it.

An Amytal addiction occurs when the user can no longer go on without the drug in their system. People who are addicted to this drug will often demonstrate the following signs:
  • Slurring their speech.
  • Problems with coordination.
  • Feeling lethargic most of the time.
  • Combining Amytal with other drugs or alcohol to get different responses.
  • Struggling to manage their daily responsibilities.

Some additional signs of addiction can include:

  • Having problems performing at work or in school.
  • Having loved ones who express their concern or ask the person to go to rehab.
  • Having relationships difficulties.
  • Developing physical health problems.
  • Having legal problems.
  • Having financial problems.
  • Struggling with mental health.
  • Becoming socially withdrawn.

For an addict, everything about their life revolves around using. Abuse often leads to addiction, but that does not always have to be the case. Once a person is addicted, they do not have to stay in that state. Help is available for them if they want to stop.

Everything You Need to Know About Rehab for Amytal Addiction

Amobarbital, or Amytal, is a prescription drug with a high potential for addiction. Kicking this addiction on your own can be both dangerous and difficult, making a stay at an Amytal rehab a virtual necessity. These rehabs provide a structured and safe place to learn valuable tools, like how to handle cravings and identify stressors. Attending an Amytal rehab is the best way to maximize your chances of long-term sobriety.

If you or someone you love has an addiction to Amytal, understanding your treatment choices is important in making sure you select the option best for your situation and addiction. Our Amytal addiction resource guide gives you everything needed to make the best choices you possibly can.

Different Types of Amytal Addiction Treatment

There are different steps to take when it comes to addressing an Amytal addiction. You should never attempt to kick this type of addiction alone. A sudden cessation of taking barbiturates like Amytal can lead to serious health consequences, and even death. As such, the supervision and direction of a professional is necessary. 

There are two aspects of Amytal abuse that need to be addressed when seeking recovery. The first is the body's dependence on the drug to function and feel normal. The second is the mental addiction, which involves the behavioral issues that long-term use can cause. Without addressing both issues, freedom from an Amytal addiction is impossible.

Detox

Without a doubt, the first step to take towards relief from an Amytal addiction is detoxification, or detox. This phase is where the initial “drying out” comes, or when the body is actually getting rid of the drug in your system. This is accomplished by slowly tapering off taking the drug until the body is once again used to operating without the drug. Steadily stepping down the amount taken can ensure the body does not get hit with an overwhelming amount of discomfort all at once. 

While detox is commonly the shortest lasting, it is usually the most physically uncomfortable aspect of attaining sobriety. The effects and sensations that come from physical withdrawal are incredibly uncomfortable to experience. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms that can be expected with Amytal detox include: 

  • Severe anxiety
  • Twitching of the muscles, especially in hands and feet
  • Dizziness and weakness
  • Visual distortion
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Difficulty sleeping 

There are more also serious symptoms that can occur during detox. These include: 

  • Seizures
  • Liver damage
  • Delirium
  • Convulsions 

The withdrawal from Amytal has a pretty predictable timeline. The minor symptoms listed above usually begin between eight and twelve hours after ingesting the last dose. If the more major withdrawal symptoms appear, they will mainly make themselves known sometime within the first 18 hours. Overall withdrawal can last up to 15 days from start to finish. 

There are different factors that can contribute to how long withdrawal symptoms are experienced. The most important, of course, are how long the addiction has been going on, and how much of the drug is normally taken. How old the addict can also play a role in how long it takes to start feeling relief. Tolerance levels and the method it was taken are also potential factors. 

One of the most effective ways to reduce the effects of withdrawal during detox is using other medications to relieve the symptoms. Drugs like opiates have specific medications that can mitigate the level of intensity felt while the body is adjusting. While there are no individual drugs that help with Amytal addiction in specific, there are certain types of medication that make the time a little easier. 

The most commonly-prescribed type of drugs used during an Amytal detox is sleep aids, such as Ambien or homeopathic alternatives. The most common of these natural choices are Valerian Root and Melatonin. Difficulty sleeping is one of the prime effects felt by those going through withdrawal, so these help immensely. Nausea and vomiting are also common occurrences, so drugs to help with them are normal as well. 

While performing the detox process while in an inpatient program is advisable, it is not always feasible. Personal obligations may make it necessary for a recovering addict to be present at home, rather than stay overnight at a facility. For cases like this, a partial hospitalization program may be the best fit. 

Partial hospitalization involves going to different individual and group therapy sessions for a specific amount of time each day. These programs usually take up the entire day, so that someone going through detox has little time to spend with nothing to occupy them. Most partial hospitalization programs run five days each week, with weekends usually spent away from the treatment facility altogether.

Rehab

Attending a rehab is also an integral part of achieving freedom from an Amytal addiction. Many times, the detox process is part of the rehab, and continuing inpatient or outpatient care is given once that initial hurdle has been overcome. Rehabs come in different forms, some of which are more suitable to specific situations than others.

Inpatient Rehab

The most common type of rehab for kicking an addiction like Amytal is inpatient rehab. As its name would indicate, this involves spending every waking and sleeping moment at the facility for a specific amount of time. Participants sleep at the center, and are required to stay on the grounds the entire time the program lasts. Programs vary in length, usually ranging from 28-90 days.

Understanding what happens when committing to an inpatient program can go a long way towards alleviating any doubts and fears that may exist about getting involved with one. Simply not knowing what will happen is one of the primary reasons people avoid taking this step in the first place. 

After the initial paperwork, a tour of the facility is usually given. This is most often provided by someone else who is also in the program, just for a little longer. This is important in not only familiarizing yourself with your surroundings, you can also potentially make a new friend to help make your stay more enjoyable. 

Once you are familiar with the setting you will be living at for the foreseeable future, it is time for the attending professionals to get to know your situation more specifically. This is the point where individual aspects about your Amytal addiction are related, so they know how best to tailor your treatment. This is a very relaxed setting, and one where it is definitely best to be completely honest. 

This part also includes different tests and exams that will help analyze your physical, psychiatric and social condition. Each of these parts play a role in how your individual treatment plan will be developed. Once created, a doctor will go over your treatment plan with you for feedback and fine tuning. 

While it might seem a bit premature at first glance, discharge is also something that is discussed from day one. Transitioning from an inpatient facility back to normal life is an important step, so understanding everything involved is necessary from the very beginning. Any discharge plan will evolve over the time you attend the program, and be adjusted according to your individual needs and your progress.

While each individual facility has its own specific routine to it, most have similar schedules that have proven themselves to be most effective. The structured nature of inpatient programs is vital to ensuring that a predictable routine is provided to participants. Much of the recovery process consists of learning new habits, and how to deal with destructive ones. This makes an ongoing routine important in ensuring that lessons learned in the program are continued after release. 

Mornings usually start early, since laziness and excessive sleeping are detrimental to achieving expected progress. A healthy breakfast is encouraged, since the intensive nature of much of the program requires a good deal of energy to navigate most effectively and efficiently. Having too little energy can cause your mind to wander or prevent you from fully grasping the lessons you need to learn. 

The morning is also good for light exercise, for both the mind and body. Yoga is an excellent way to loosen up and put you in a comfortable physical state. Classes in meditation are also common. Starting the day off with a clear and peaceful mind is the best way to set a positive and healthy tone for the rest of the day to build on. 

A targeted group therapy session is usually the next step in an average rehab day. Having a meeting like this early in the day ensures that the proper mindset is developed as quickly as possible. A good first meeting can go a long way towards ensuring the rest of the day is productive. 

Afternoons are where the real work usually comes in. Following lunch, a series of therapeutic sessions of different types are organized, usually one right after the other. These are at a reasonable pace and scheduled so they do not overwhelm anyone participating in them. While structured and constant therapy is important, too busy of a schedule can cause frustration and despair. 

Following the main work of the day is usually a period of free time. This gives residents the chance to unwind a bit, and participate in healthy activities they enjoy. Depending on the facility, residents may have the opportunity to participate in physical activities, such as swimming, volleyball or basketball. Other people may just use the time to curl up in front of a good book or watch some television. 

Most days usually round out with some form group therapy session. Many times this takes the form of a 12-step program, where individuals can form closer bonds based on mutual experiences. While bedtime is not always strict, a healthy amount of sleep is encouraged due to the benefits it provides for the entire program.

Therapy in a rehab setting can take many different forms. Some types are helpful in some areas, while others maximize the recovery efforts in other. By combining these different approaches, staff can ensure each aspect of the process is addressed properly.

Group Therapy

Perhaps the most common type of therapy in an inpatient or outpatient rehab program is group therapy. Group therapy usually consists of rehab patients sitting together in a room and hearing from different people in turn. This allows participants to learn and understand from the mouths of those who are experiencing the same effects from the addiction as they are. 

It also helps foster a sense of camaraderie and friendship between members. Making meaningful connections can go a long way towards bringing even the most reclusive person out of their shell. Many times, friendships developed in rehab can go on to be some of the most fulfilling of a person's life.

Individual Therapy

While the open and welcoming setting of a group session is important, so too is the private time spent alone with a doctor or therapist. There may be issues someone does not want to speak about in a group setting, and being one-on-one with a professional can make it easier to open up about these things. It also gives the opportunity for more targeted and individualized feedback, attention and advice than what is usually found when in a group. 

One of the most helpful types of individual therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. CBT involves understanding how you respond to specific triggers that are a factor in most addicts lives. Once this understanding is achieved, plans can be formulated on how to change destructive responses into ones that are much healthier. 

Specialized Therapy

Some issues in specific can be especially important to address when getting a handle on an addiction. A problem with anger issues or how to effectively handle stress are prime examples. Many times grief over losing a friend or loved one can also be the trigger behind using Amytal, given its calming and relaxing effects. Having meetings that are geared specifically towards these problems, and how to cope with them properly, can be much more effective than a more generalized meeting.

Family Therapy

In most cases of Amytal addiction, there are friends and family that are affected as well. Codependency, or depending on someone else to handle everyday life with an addiction, can ruin even the most tight-knit families, if the issues are not addressed. There is no safer space to air out grievances or search for solutions than in a family therapy setting. 

These meetings are also important in identifying what needs to take place once the rehab program has been completed. Transitioning from the controlled environment of a rehab back to home is an adjustment made much easier by knowledgeable family members. A doctor or therapist attends these meetings, and provides all the information needed to ensure the best ongoing success after release.

Outpatient Rehab 

While an inpatient rehab program is advisable for most drug addictions, it may not be the best fit for each person's individual circumstances. Some people with a strong desire to quit an Amytal addiction may have responsibilities that preclude them from staying somewhere full time. Situations like this are where an outpatient rehab program is likely to be most suitable. 

Outpatient rehab offers similar therapy and assistance found in an inpatient setting, but in a format where participants are able to live at home instead of on the facility's grounds. Therapy is scheduled for different days of the week, and the participant typically travels to the facility for treatment. There are a few types of outpatient treatment available, mostly differentiated by how much time is involved.

For those who need minimal to normal outpatient therapy, standard treatment options will usually suffice. Standard treatment usually involves meetings set a few times each week, each of which last an hour or two on the average. This level of treatment is primarily suitable for those with a lighter addiction, and mainly need help with the transition process from rehab back to home.

For those who are struggling more than the standard treatment would be sufficient for, there is a more intensive option available. While the participant would still live at home, the number of hours spent in therapy each week would increase to 12 or more. Intensive outpatient therapy is usually much more rigorous than its standard counterpart. Intensive treatment should be considered by anyone with a more serious addiction, or who has no real support system in place at home.

Partial hospital programs, also called day programs, are the most intensive and concentrated of all outpatient programs. Day programs are held between five and seven days each week, and are usually around six hours each day. The treatment provided usually mirrors what is found in inpatient programs, including group therapy, individual therapy, and creative activities. Once treatment for each day is finished, participants will either go home or to a sober living facility.

There are several ways to supplement the outpatient treatment being received for Amytal addiction. The most common are the different continuing care groups and meetings that gather together in virtually every city in the country. These meetings should complement, not replace, your standard outpatient care, especially in the beginning. While they are extremely beneficial in a number of ways, the beginning stages of sobriety usually require the structure and planning of outpatient rehab therapy. 

The 12-step program, Narcotics Anonymous (NA), is the largest and most recognizable of these meetings and groups. Similar in many ways to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), NA provides a safe and comfortable space for recovering Amytal addicts to gather together, share stories, and offer advice. These meetings are extremely similar to the group therapy sessions held in inpatient rehab. In fact, many rehabs offer these types of meetings as part of their program. 

A newer addition to the recovery arena is Self-Management and Recovery Training, or SMART. The traditional 12-step model found at places like NA revolves around faith, and the submission of different key areas of life to a higher power. SMART, on the other hand, has developed an addiction treatment program with science at its core. Their program consists of four steps, and helps addicts learn valuable tools to help combat cravings and urges. SMART is useful for all types of addictions, and offers online resources as well as in-person meetings.

Co-occurring Disorder Treatment

One of the most difficult scenarios to live is having both an addiction and a mental illness. This is called co-occurring disorder, or dual diagnosis. Co-occurring disorder is very common among those who abuse Amytal. Many mental illnesses involve extreme agitation and anxiety. The relaxing and calming effects imparted by Amytal can provide temporary relief from these symptoms. This makes it easy for many mental patients to get hooked on Amytal. 

Amytal Addiction Information

With co-occurring disorder, it is vital to partake in a rehab that offers targeted treatment for both the mental illness and the addiction. This is called integrated treatment, and includes therapy for both sides of the treatment coin. Treating one and not the other makes it virtually impossible to gain real progress. This is due to the fact that both conditions feed into each other, and are difficult to separate. 

More so than an addiction alone, medication plays a large part in treating a co-occurring disorder. Pharmacology is one of the most effective means of treating most mental disorders. This fact is even more pronounced when both addiction and mental illness are present. Being properly medicated is one of the first steps in treating a co-occurring disorder.

Paying for Amytal Addiction Rehab

In most cases, Amytal addiction rehab has a cost associated with it. The exact amount is highly variable, and depends on different factors. This is to be expected, considering that the quality and effectiveness of care is not always equal among all rehabs. The most common factors that usually affect cost include: 

  • Type of facility: An inpatient program is likely to be much more pricey than their outpatient counterparts. However, the cost includes room and board, and the program is likely to be much more intensive. There is also the benefit of having care around the clock.
  • Type of Insurance: Most insurance providers use networks. Facilities in the network  agree to pay a lowered rate in turn for an increase in the number of patients the insurance can bring. Facilities out of the network have higher costs, some of which may not be covered by the policy at all.
  • Size of the Program: Larger programs are usually less expensive than smaller ones. This is primarily because there are fewer patients for each addiction specialist.
  • Available Treatments: Some treatments cost more than others. For example, co-occurring disorders involve a much more complex understanding than addiction alone. This results in a more intensive treatment program, which usually comes with a higher price tag.
  • Program Length: Amytal addiction rehab can last anywhere from about one to three months. The longer you are in the facility the more money it will be.
  • Extras: Some rehab facilities offer perks and extras not found in other programs. Extensive gym setups, or even gourmet meals are not uncommon with ritzier establishments. These additional comforts can drive the financial toll up quite a bit.

Payment Options Found at Most Amytal Addiction Rehabs 

Due to the rising cost of untreated drug addiction, there is much more support in paying for treatment than ever before. Most rehabs offer different types of payment options, usually with one or more that is possible for each prospective participant. The most common payment options found at most rehabs include insurance, payment plans and cash.

Insurance is the most common way Amytal rehab is paid for today. Most insurance carriers have at least some form of coverage for rehab, with the level of coverage depending on the individual policy. Another prime variable is whether or not the rehab you want to attend is in their coverage network. If the plan is to pay for rehab using your insurance, it is best to contact them beforehand to find out how much you need to pay out of pocket. 

The type and level of care you can receive depends greatly on which type of insurance you have. Government insurance plans, like Medicare and Medicaid, do have coverage for rehab, but the choices in facility may be limited. Private and military insurance usually allow for a much wider range of organizations to choose from.

How Has the Affordable Care Act Impacted Addiction Treatment?

The Affordable Care Act, popularly known as Obamacare, has brought big changes when it comes to paying for addiction rehab.

Many of these are positive, and have brought the prospect of attending Amytal rehab within the reach of more people than ever before. Some of the boons brought by the ACA include: 

  • Affordability: Out of pocket costs have decreased dramatically under the ACA for most people. Limits on how much a rehab can charge are set and enforced by the ACA, and are less for ACA-sponsored plans. These levels of coverage start at Bronze, and go all the way up to Platinum. Out-of-pocket expenses decrease the higher you go.
  • Guarantee of Coverage: Under the ACA, addiction recovery is classified as an essential health benefit. This means that any plan purchased from the marketplace is required to have some form of coverage for Amytal addiction recovery. It also means that there is no coverage limit, either each year or throughout life, for addictive disorders.
  • Pre Existing Conditions: The ACA now makes it impossible for any insurance provider to deny coverage due to a preexisting condition. No matter when the addiction manifested, coverage for treatment is available.

It is important to note, however, that not all changes brought on by the ACA can be considered positive. Some criticism in certain areas exists to point out some of the problems that have their root cause in the ACA. Some of the most common complaints include: 

  • Out-of-pocket Limits: While the individual costs of treatment have been reduced by the ACA, the top amount you have to pay out of pocket is not. On average the limit singles can expect to pay exceeds $7,000 per year. Families pay even more, with a cap set at a little over $14,000. while this isn't enough to cause financial ruin for most people, a lengthy stay at rehab may still be out of reach for some.
  • Available Providers: With the increase in number of people with access to Amytal addiction treatment comes a shortage of qualified professionals to handle everyone. While the number of addiction personnel does increase each year, it is not enough to keep up with the increased demand.
  • Medicaid: The ACA also sets limits on how many patients on Medicaid can be treated in a facility at any given time. This number is set at 16, which means that some larger facilities may have to turn away some Medicaid patients.  

Amytal Addiction Treatment is Available at Northpoint Washington

It is not uncommon for people with drug addictions to feel hopeless. Many of them want to stop using, but they just do not know where to turn. The vast majority are afraid of what their lives will look like without having Amytal to depend on.

At Northpoint Washington, we want you to know that we understand where you are coming from. We know how hard it can be to come to terms with the fact that you have an addiction that needs to be treated. Many of our staff members are recovered addicts, so we have personal as well as professional experience in this area.

We offer one of the best inpatient drug treatment centers in the State of Washington, as well as in the entire region. We understand that when our patients come to us for help, they are desperate for solutions. They need the type of care and support we offer in order to be successful.

Our program includes three phases of treatment. The first, as we mentioned earlier, is detox. Most of our patients need medical detox, which would most likely be true for someone who is addicted to Amytal.

The next phase is to go to drug rehab. At Northpoint Washington, we conveniently offer both forms of treatment under the same roof. During the rehabilitation phase, patients experience many different types of therapy. They have one-on-one therapy sessions, group therapy, family therapy and many more.

Finally, patients are given the proper recommendations for their aftercare. Many experts believe that this is the most critical step in recovery. It is what keeps people from relapsing and it helps them to stay connected to others in treatment.

We Treat Co-Occurring Disorders

As we mentioned earlier, co-occurring disorders are very common among people with addictions. Someone who is addicted to Amytal may be suffering from anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, or another mental illness. Treating the addiction and the mental health condition at the same time is critical.

Dual diagnosis treatment does this very effectively. Patients are able to make the connection between their mental illnesses and their substance abuse problems. By adequately treating their psychological issues, there is less of a need to self-medicate with Amytal.

We Treat Cross Addictions

Cross addictions are also very common among people who struggle with Amytal addictions. As their dependence upon the drug progresses, it gets more difficult to experience the same exhilarating high. That often leads people to add additional drugs into the mix. This is extremely dangerous for a number of reasons.

Depending on the type of drug that is added, the person may experience compounding effects, or opposite effects. For instance, if a person were to drink alcohol and take Amytal, the depressant effect is very dangerous. If that person were to use Amytal and cocaine, these drugs have the opposite effect, which is stressful on the heart.

Treating cross addictions during rehab is critical because every substance abuse problem must be addressed. Otherwise, the treatment will be completely ineffective.

Amytal Addiction Treatment

Learn More About Amytal Addiction, Abuse and the Recovery Options

Recovering from an Amytal addiction may be the most challenging task you ever take on. But when you are successful, you will be so happy you did it. At Northpoint Washington, we want you to know that we are here to help you. We want you to live the life you have always wanted, and we know how substance abuse can hold people back from achieving their dreams.

Do you need to know more about Amytal abuse or addiction? Do you have questions about going to treatment, or about our inpatient program? Please contact us right away.
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